Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Lansing, MI: $38.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Lansing, MI runs $38.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,395 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Lansing's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.0, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,637 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lansing, Michigan, massage therapists enjoy a median hourly pay of $38.17, significantly surpassing the national average of $29.80 per hour. This higher wage allows part-time practitioners, working three days a week, to maintain a comfortable earning potential within local wellness settings like spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile or in-home setups. The hourly wage for massage therapists in Lansing ranges from $22.51 at the lower end (P10) to $46.29 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting the diversity in skill levels and types of establishments. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data showcases how the region supports a robust environment for massage therapy, catering to both full-time and part-time workers.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.51 | $180.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.87 | $238.95 |
| Median (P50) | $38.17 | $305.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.21 | $329.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.29 | $370.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lansing
Based on $38.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.17/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lansing, MI can expect to earn approximately $79,395 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,805. With a cost-of-living index of 94.99 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lansing.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lansing
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,526.83 | $6,616 | $79,395 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $916.10 | $3,970 | $47,637 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $610.73 | $2,647 | $31,758 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Lansing) | $38.17 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $32.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Exercise Trainer/Fitness Instructor (National Avg) | $23.95 |
Massage Therapists in Lansing, MI earn a median of $79,395 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.11% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 8.50% above the Michigan state average of $73,175.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.17/hr = $47,637/year (purchasing power: $50,149).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,395/year (purchasing power: $83,582).
CoL index: 94.991 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lansing (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Lansing grew 43.3% from $25.12/hr (2019) to $36.00/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.47/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem massage therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lansing metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Massage Therapist in Lansing
Exploring the financial dynamics of the profession reveals interesting variances, particularly for part-time massage therapists. A professional working three days a week and logging 24 hours can anticipate an annual income of about $47,872, which offers a sizable difference compared to the income of full-time colleagues. Per-diem employment enables greater flexibility, allowing therapists to choose their shifts while earning between $25-$100 per session depending on whether they work in franchises like Massage Envy or independent clinics. Cash-paying self-employed therapists can see rates as high as $150 per session, although they face the challenges of marketing their services and managing overhead costs. Such variations in per diem massage therapist pay in Lansing show that flexibility can come at a price, as practitioners may have to forgo benefits in exchange for higher hourly wages from solo practice or mobile work. For those considering negotiations, it's vital to weigh guaranteed hours against the freedom of self-employment for an informed decision tailored to their lifestyle and financial requirements.
More salary data for Lansing, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for massage therapists in Lansing. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for massage therapists (SOC 31-9011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov